Premier League next gen steals limelight
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday December 8, 2025 06:00
With the halfway mark reached and the league set to resume in late January, it is the emerging generation that has seized the spotlight, reshaping the conversation and hinting at a changing of the guard. One such youngster is 19-year-old forward, Boikobo Rannyena, who has turned defenders inside out while wearing the club’s green and red of BDF XI.
In his first full top-flight season, the teenager is fast proving that his reputation is no fluke.
Sitting on six goals, he is fourth in the Golden Boot race alongside heavyweight scorers like Thatayaone Kgamanyane and Thabang Sesinyi.
No player aged 20 or under has matched his return, making him the runaway favourite for the Young Player of the Season award early on.
Behind him, another youngster is thriving. Edwin Motsie, just 20, began the campaign as BDF XI’s first-choice goalkeeper and has clocked more minutes between the posts than any of his team-mates.
His composure and command of the box have earned him early praise as one of the league’s standout young shot-stoppers.
Over at Black Lions, Tlotlo Keipedile has had tongues wagging with his flair and fearless attacking play.
Labelled a 'generational talent' by seasoned coach Owen da Gama, the youngster has already delivered a memorable free-kick goal and cemented his place as a starter.
Many in coaching circles believe Keipedile could earn a move abroad as early as next season.
In Jwaneng, Galaxy have polished another gem in Oteng Aphiri. Long tipped for a breakthrough, he is finally getting minutes under Sean Connor and has chipped in with two goals.
But it is Keletso Raditlhongwa, signed from second-tier Young Stars, who has lit up the champions’ frontline with more than five goal contributions.
His rise has been so rapid that he earned a spot on the Zebras’ provisional 55-man AFCON 2025 squad.
Special mention also belongs to Township Rollers’ Phillip Kaku and Thero Bubi, Matebele’s Loago Masisi, and TAFIC’s Tsholofelo Speakson, players forming the nucleus of the local league’s next wave.
But whilst the youngsters have been shining, the dugout has seen turbulence with six head coaches having had vacated their posts so far.
The Serbian duo of Nikola Kavazovic (Sua Flamingoes) and Srdan Zivojnov (Township Rollers) resigned, whilst Lemponye Tshireletso stepped down at Santa Green.
TAFIC fired Mandla Mpofu, Black Lions parted ways with Owen da Gama, and the biggest shock came when Dimitar Pantev quit Gaborone United months after winning the club’s eighth league title.
Yet the merry-go-round has opened doors for the next line of tacticians.
Tshireletso has already resurfaced as head coach of Sua Flamingoes, Oarabile Seabo is steadying the ship at Rollers, and former Mares coach Alex Malete has joined Mochudi Centre Chiefs’ technical team as assistant coach.
The coaching revolution is mirroring what is happening on the pitch; youth is stepping up.
As the break arrives, Gaborone United remain the benchmark defensively disciplined, controlled in possession, and consistent in results.
Their low-concession record has underpinned a strong first half of the campaign, though Jwaneng Galaxy remain firmly in the chase with their usual mix of depth and experience.
Nico United and Sua Flamingoes have emerged as surprise contenders, adding unpredictability to a race that could go all the way into the final weeks.
Fallen giants, Extension Gunners find themselves in all sorts of trouble. The team is amongst the relegation places, accompanied by rookies, Santa Green and Calendar Stars.